This week, we are proud to recognize Nate Monroe, Executive Editor of The Florida Trib, as the 2026 Mark Landen Memorial Award for Democracy through Journalism Honoree!
An accomplished journalist, investigative reporter, and dedicated advocate for accountability, Nate has spent his career uncovering important stories, examining those in positions of power, and helping communities stay informed. READ USA is honored to celebrate his commitment to journalism and the vital role it plays in strengthening our democracy.
Nate currently serves as Executive Editor of The Florida Trib, a nonprofit, statewide investigative newsroom headquartered in Jacksonville.
Previously, he wrote a column for the USA Today Network covering Florida politics and government. He also served as a metro columnist, beat reporter, and investigative reporter for the Florida Times-Union, where his work focused on Jacksonville City Hall and local government.
During his time with the Florida Times-Union, Nate contributed to several investigative reporting projects, including coverage of the proposed privatization of JEA, Jacksonville's city-owned electric and water utility. His columns on the subject earned him the national Sigma Delta Chi Award from the Society of Professional Journalists.
His reporting has also covered investigations involving public officials, environmental concerns, and community issues, including an examination of flood risks associated with decades of deep dredging in the St. Johns River.
Before arriving in Jacksonville in 2013, Nate worked as a reporter for newspapers in the Florida Panhandle and South Louisiana, covering a wide range of stories, from hurricanes and oil spills to local government and community events.
Originally from the New Orleans area, Nate graduated from Louisiana State University. He now lives in Atlantic Beach with his wife and three sons.
At READ USA, we believe in the power of literacy to inform, inspire, and open doors to opportunity. Nate's career reflects the importance of strong communication, thoughtful reporting, and sharing stories that help communities better understand the world around them.
Congratulations to Nate Monroe on being named the 2026 Mark Landen Memorial Award for Democracy through Journalism Honoree! We are proud to celebrate his accomplishments and contributions to journalism at this year's Peace in the Pages!
We look forward to honoring Nate this Friday, November 6, at The Schultz Center!
READ USA AmeriCorps Tutors Bring Literacy Support into the School Day!
A little extra reading support can make a big difference and READ USA's AmeriCorps tutors are stepping up to help young readers succeed!
This school year, 11 READ USA AmeriCorps tutors are serving nearly 100 elementary students along with hundreds more served through classroom support across four Duval County Public Elementary Schools: Rutledge H. Pearson, Fort Caroline, Jacksonville Heights, and Biltmore.
Through READ USA's school-day Literacy Tutoring program, these members provide consistent, targeted reading intervention to students who need additional support in developing foundational literacy skills.
Five days a week, our Daytime Tutors work with students in second through fifth grade who are currently reading at kindergarten through second-grade levels. Each student receives a focused 35- or 40-minute tutoring lesson on scheduled intervention days, with students receiving support between two and five days per week.
These lessons are designed to help students strengthen essential reading skills while building the confidence they need to become more independent readers.
But our AmeriCorps tutors' impact extends beyond their reading intervention groups!
In addition to providing literacy instruction, members assist teachers in the classroom, help address challenging student behaviors, and support efforts to improve student attendance.
This additional support allows our tutors to become valuable members of their school communities, working alongside educators to help create positive learning environments for students.
Our school-day tutoring team brings a variety of experiences to the program. Some members previously served as READ USA tutors, others have experience supporting students in classrooms, and several are beginning their first year with READ USA's tutoring model.
Guiding and supporting their work is Beverly Walker, a retired Duval County Public Schools administrator, who serves as the program's specialist.
“We are settling into routines with our AmeriCorps tutors. These tutors have gotten off to a great start forming meaningful relationships with the students they are tutoring. They also have been diligently working to provide classroom support for classroom teachers. Their goal is to become an integral component of the school environment. These tutors are providing a positive and encouraging environment while delivering literacy support to foster students' love for reading and enhance their everyday instruction. I am privileged to be part of this incredible experience!” stated Beverly.
These early successes are laying the foundation for meaningful progress in the months ahead. Through consistent instruction, strong relationships, and collaboration with school staff, our AmeriCorps tutors are helping create opportunities for students to strengthen their reading skills and work toward grade-level proficiency.
A special thank you to our dedicated AmeriCorps tutors, Beverly Walker, and our school partners at Rutledge H. Pearson, Fort Caroline, Jacksonville Heights, and Biltmore Elementary Schools for their commitment to helping every child become a stronger, more confident reader!
We look forward to sharing more about the progress and impact of our school-day Literacy Tutoring program throughout the year!
Children’s Book: Home by Matt de la Peña
In Home, acclaimed author Matt de la Peña invites young readers to think beyond houses and buildings 
to the people, places, and everyday moments that make us feel safe and loved. Through lyrical language and Loren Long’s richly expressive illustrations, the book moves among different experiences of home, from quiet family moments to the comfort of community and the natural world. Rather than following a single character’s adventure, this thoughtful picture book creates a collection of images and feelings that children can connect to their own lives. Its poetic descriptions offer opportunities to explore vivid language and discuss how a familiar word can hold many meanings.
Warm and beautifully illustrated by Loren Long, Home is a lovely choice for reading together and talking about where—and with whom—we feel we belong.
Parent Education Corner: Helping Your Child Become a Confident Reader
Learning to read is exciting, but it can also be frustrating. When a child struggles with a word or compares their reading to a classmate’s, a little encouragement can make a big difference. Confidence grows when children experience success and know that the adults around them value their effort.
Choose books they can read with some success. Save harder books for reading together, when you can provide support. Give your child time to sound out unfamiliar words. If they need help, guide them to look at the letters and blend the sounds rather than guessing from the picture.
Celebrate something specific: “You worked through that long word!” is more helpful than focusing on speed. Take turns reading aloud. Hearing you read with expression provides a model, and sharing the reading takes away pressure.
End on a positive note. A short, enjoyable reading experience is better than turning every page into a struggle.
Most importantly, remind your child that becoming a reader takes practice. Every new word and every small success is worth celebrating.